Asthma Patient Management

Course overview

Objectives Identify key signs and symptoms of a patient experiencing an asthma exacerbation Describe the indications and contraindications of PPV in an asthmatic patient Content Management of Adequate and Inadequate Respiration A Respiratory Compromise 1 Assure an adequate airway 2 Review supplemental oxygen therapy 3 Continuous Positive Airway Pressure CPAP Bi Level Positive Airway Pressure BiPAP a Definitions Purpose the spontaneously breathing patient i CPAP device to provide continuous positive airway pressure in the spontaneously breathing patient ii BiPAP device to provide differential positive airway pressure in the spontaneously breathing patient a higher positive pressure during inspiration eg 10 cm water pressure b lower positive pressure during expiration eg 5 cm water pressure c augments patient spontaneous breathing with positive pressure ventilation during inspiration iii increase lung compliance iv reduce alveolar collapse v increase laminar airflow vi decrease intubation rates b Indications i CHF acute pulmonary edema ii COPD asthma iii near drowning iv similar equipment may be used for home treatment of sleep apnea c Contraindications i inability to tolerate the mask d Complications i requires adequate tidal volume ii patient must be alert and follow instructions iii patient must tolerate mask iv gastric insufflation v vomiting and aspiration risk vi barotrauma vii facial hair viii dysmorphic faces e Procedure 4 Assisted positive pressure ventilations a Purpose definition b Indications c Contraindications d Complications Lower airway disease a Asthma b Bronchiolitis Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV is a common cause i Highly contagious ii Most common in infants under one year iii Infections usually occur epidemically in the winter Review of all medications used to treat asthma Albuterol Duo Neb Corticosteroids Epinephrine